Tier-One Banks Weigh on Nigerian Stock Market as All-Share Index Holds 194,000 Line
The Nigerian Stock Market closed lower on February 25, 2026, with the All-Share Index slipping 0.06% to settle at 194,370.2 points. Tier-one banks were the main drag on the market, as profit-taking among major financial stocks offset gains elsewhere. This 114-point decline marks the second consecutive session of losses since the index broke above 196,000 points on February 23.
Despite the market pullback, trading activity remained robust, with total volume rising to 1.3 billion shares from 1.1 billion in the previous session. Market capitalisation edged slightly lower to N124.7 trillion across 70,222 deals, down from N124.8 trillion, signaling cautious investor sentiment amid selective buying in key sectors.
On the winners’ chart, Jaiz Bank and Okomu Oil Palm Company led the advance, posting gains of 9.95% and 9.93%, respectively. Other notable performers included Trans Nationwide Express and Fortis Global Insurance, reflecting targeted investor interest in stocks with growth potential despite broader market weakness. Conversely, ABC Transport and RT Briscoe topped the losers’ table with 10% declines each, as traders took profits in high-volatility shares.
Sector performance was mixed, particularly among high-capitalisation stocks (SWOOTs) and major banks (FUGAZ). BUA Foods rose 3.47% and Wema Bank gained 1.49%, but Nigerian Breweries, International Breweries, and Lafarge Africa all recorded losses. In the banking segment, First HoldCo dropped 8.36%, United Bank for Africa fell 2.39%, and Zenith Bank declined 2.15%, confirming that tier-one financials were the main drivers of the market downturn.
Market analysts suggest that the day’s decline may signal either a shallow correction or a deeper retracement, depending on how sustained the selling pressure becomes. While gains in select stocks offered some relief, the broader market closed in the red, leaving investors closely watching bank stocks and heavyweight companies like BUA Foods for guidance in the coming sessions.
source: nairametrics